Rare Forms Of Cancer To Be Aware Of
The Skin Condition To Look Out For: Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma is an incredibly rare form of skin cancer that typically appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule on the face, head, or neck. The condition is also known as neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. This rare skin cancer often develops in older people, especially white males over fifty years old, and is usually caused by long-term sun exposure or weak immune system due to autoimmune diseases and medications. This critical disease tends to grow and spread quite rapidly to other parts of the body, and it is not clear what causes this rare type of cancer.
Researchers do know that cancer begins in the Merkel cells, which are found at the base of the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis), which are connected to the nerve endings responsible for the sense of touch. Researchers recently discovered a common virus plays a significant role in causing most of the cases of Merkel cell carcinoma, as the virus, Merkel cell polyomavirus lives on the skin and does not show any visible signs or symptoms. How the virus that causes cancer is still unknown, and since the virus is quite common but the development of this form of cancer is rare, it is likely other risk factors play an important role in the development of this particular skin cancer.
Prevention And Treatment For Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma usually depends on if it has spread beyond the skin to other areas of the body, internally and externally. There are a number of risky behavior that can increase an individual’s chance of developing it. Risk factors include excessive exposure to natural and artificial sunlight, a weakened immune system, a history of other types of skin cancer, older age, and lighter skin color. Despite the risks, there are a few preventative measures individuals can take to minimize their risk. Prevention includes avoiding the sun during peak hours, usually between 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM; shielding eyes and skin from the sun with clothes and sunglasses; and applying sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) liberally and often. Individuals should also monitor changes in their skin’s appearance and notify a doctor about them.
Treatment for this cancer includes a wide local excision to remove a large area of the affected tissue, a lymph node dissection, as well as radiation therapy after surgery. Even with treatment, Merkel cell carcinoma usually spreads beyond the skin and forms tumors within the body, especially affecting nearby lymph nodes. It can also spread to the brain, bones, liver or lungs. Cancers that spread to other organs, such as this type, are more challenging to treat and can be fatal.
